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Trainer Mubarak Bin Shafya has wasted little time making his mark on the UAE racing scene and, after his first winner with his second runner last week, he saddled a double at Nad Al Sheba’s fifth meeting of the season this evening.

On a card kindly sponsored by BBC World, Bin Shafya saw local apprentice Ahmad Ajtebi land the concluding 1200m handicap on Arminius, having earlier won the 1800m handicap with Emirates Line who made all under Jesus Rosales.

A delighted trainer explained: “It has been a great start to the season and the horses are running well.”

Ajtebi, who now needs only four more winners to lose his apprentice’s claim, added of Arminius: “He travelled strongly and has run on very well when I asked him.”

Rod Simpson is enjoying a good season and Daragh O’Donohoe was in the saddle on his Fryvolous who won the opening Purebred Arabian handicap over 1600m.

The five-year-old prevailed in a thrilling finish from Paris Gagner, trained by Champion Trainer Doug Watson.

Simpson said: “This could be a really nice horse and is certainly the best we have. Hopefully we can land a nice prize with him.”

Watson may have been out of luck on that occasion but stable stalwart Elmustanser did register a winner for the handler when winning the 2000m handicap under Fernando Jara.

A full-brother to 1999 Dubai World Cup winner Almutawakel, Elmustanser contested the 2005 World Cup but has plummeted in the ratings since.

Watson said: “That is brilliant – to see the old horse get his head in front again. It has been a while coming but he has been a great servant to the yard.”

Wayne Smith and Musabah Al Muhairi won the 2000m novice stakes with Pentland Firth and Smith said: “Stamina was never an issue so I was happy to kick for home a long way out.”

William Buick and Dhruba Selvaratnam combined to win the 1600m handicap with Daweyrr who hit the front close home.

Buick said: “We have made a good start to the season and the horses are in great form.”